IRLYNX and CEA-Leti today announced they have launched a technology-development partnership for a new CMOS-based infrared technology that will allow a new type of smart and connected detectors in buildings and cities.

The strategic partnership with Leti’s Silicon Development Division and the Optics and Photonics Division will develop a solid technology platform that allows IRLYNX to provide an unrivalled solution in the field of human-activity detection and characterization. These products will be able to count people, distinguish humans, get positions and determine posture. This new, low-cost technology will help IRLYNX bring to the market new sensors targeting various applications in energy saving, safety and security and human/object interactions.

The collaboration is based on the development of specific microelectronic steps above CMOS IC and on the hosting of IRLYNX R&D’s activities inside Leti’s clean-room facilities.

Partially funded through the Easytech program of the IRT Nanoelec research institute, the partnership blends Leti’s expertise in advanced materials and photonics technologies developments. IRLYNX is focusing for its part on a specific IC design, a customized optic integration and the “on-die” data processing of such human-sensing-activity module.

“Through this strong partnership with CEA-Leti, we continue to deploy our strategic plan as expected. The capacities and know-now of Leti in advanced-technologies development are really an advantage for IRLYNX. With this agreement and Leti’s support, we are shortening our time to market,” said Sébastien Fabre, IRLYNX CEO.

« The collaboration with IRLYNX highlights Leti’s mission to support startup initiatives and emphasizes our expertise in IR imaging devices and technologies, » said Bruno Mourey, vice president of Leti’s Optics and Photonics Division. “IRLYNX is a very good match for Leti, because the IRLYNX team has an innovative IC design, clear optic-integration goals and a persuasive business plan.”

With its recent first round of funding, which raised 1M€, IRLYNX will be able to deliver first products in the third quarter of 2015.

About IRLYNX

IRLYNX designs and sells advanced human-activity sensing modules. Created in 2012 and based in Grenoble, the company offers interactive-product makers new capabilities to sense, understand and characterize human motion and behavior in the vicinity of its systems. Based on disruptive technology with thermal-vision capability, IRLYNX products are simpler, more reliable and price compatible with high-volume markets. This allows our customers to deliver new uses, new services and new experiences. The wide range of targeted applications includes energy saving, safety, security and assisted living in smart buildings.

Our product is an optoelectronic module that includes an infrared reactive matrix combined with optics and embedded processing that provide information on activities like presence, gravity center position, motion direction and the number of people in the field.

About CEA-Leti (France)

By creating innovation and transferring it to industry, Leti is the bridge between basic research and production of micro- and nanotechnologies that improve the lives of people around the world. Backed by its portfolio of 2,200 patents, Leti partners with large industrials, SMEs and startups to tailor advanced solutions that strengthen their competitive positions. It has launched more than 50 startups. Its 8,000m² of new-generation cleanroom space feature 200mm and 300mm wafer processing of micro and nano solutions for applications ranging from space to smart devices. Leti’s staff of more than 1,700 includes 200 assignees from partner companies. Leti is based in Grenoble, France, and has offices in Silicon Valley, Calif., and Tokyo. Visit www.Leti.fr for more information.